Iran And Iraq Discuss Possible Space Cooperation

Iran’s ICT Minister, Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, and his Iraqi counterpart have called for broadening joint cooperation in space and information technology (IT) after a meeting on 22 January 2019.

In the meeting, Iranian ICT Minister Jahromi pointed to the country’s achievements in the fields of space and the construction of satellites, saying the achievements pave the way for enhancing bilateral cooperation with neighbouring Iraq.

His comments were made days after Iran attempted to launch its Payam satellite on one of its Simorgh satellite launch vehicles, but the attempt failed.

Iran is determined to develop and broaden its cooperation with Iraq in various fields, Jahromi said.

Developing a digital economy is one of the most important economic priorities in the world, Jahromi said, adding that, “we are making comprehensive plans in this area. Since Iraq benefits from young and talented manpower, Iran is ready to launch joint cooperation with Iraq in this area.”

‘Transit’ and ‘cybersecurity’ are two other important areas that Iran can cooperate with Iraq, Jahromi added.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Jahromi also noted investment in Iraq in traditional and mobile telephones as one of the other areas of cooperation between the two countries. Jahromi said, “in this regard, we have proposed to set up a joint working group for progressing and advancing relevant projects.”

The talks between Iran and Iraq on space and telecommunications cooperation could indicate an attempt by Tehran to lay out satellite and ground-based communications networks in Iraq, and possibly neighbouring Syria, in order to enrich Iranian commercial interests as well as consolidate geopolitical gains since the reclamation of Iraqi territory from the ISIS terror group, as well as the successful defence of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Damascus.